Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Why Are All the Best Running Songs About Getting High?

Disclaimer: I do not want anyone to think that by writing this post that I am in any way condoning the use of illicit drugs.

Why are all the best running songs about getting high? I'm pretty sure most of you've probably never had this thought. I'm also sure it will be no surprise to most of you that I have thought about this. With plenty of time to myself on my last long run, I settled into my pace and my music. I pondered this question while listening to my current favorite running song, appropriately titled Highby the alternative group Sir Sly.

"It feels good to be running from the devil, another breath and I'm up another level, it feels good to be up above the clouds, it feels good for the first time in a long time now..."

Maybe you're reading this and you're thinking, "what is she smoking?" or "did she finally accept that medical marijuana from her rheumatologist?" (she offered, I declined) or maybe "I don't know what she's smoking but I want some of that".

Or maybe you are just rolling your eyes. Maybe you listen to pop music when you run or maybe you listen to nothing. But I bet there's a group of us out there who listen to music and run not only for fitness but for the entire experience. Running isn't just a physical act, but a feast for the senses. Running is a mind/body experience. Yep, I grew up in the 1970s.

Life isn't always a peaceful, easy feeling. Maybe you're like me and you run because you are high strung and need an outlet. Road therapy, right? I don't always solve the world's problems on my runs, but when I do, I do my best thinking when I'm running.

Then there are those times when you don't want to think. Sometimes, you need an escape from the reality of life. Music is and has always been, for me, the perfect escape. Running to music? Even better.

"Swallow me whole, finding my peace of mind." ~Sir Sly.

I often joke that if I didn't run, I'd probably be an alcoholic. It's really not a joke because I did party my way through my 20s until I couldn't do that anymore. Although I do have a lot of good stories. Running truly saved me from me. I'm fortunate that I've been able to run all these years and rid myself of stress and angst. It's not easy being me, but running softens the edges.

Just because I don't party like I used to doesn't mean that I don't enjoy a good runner's high. I've written posts about the runners high and how running releases not just endorphins, but endocannabinoids. Yep, the same substances that are released on a run as when people smoke on the peace pipe or ingest whatever mind-altering substance they choose to get high. So it makes sense to me that the songs written about getting high are the ones that are in heavy rotation on my playlist.

Does this make sense to you? Hold my beer. Let's go for a run. Running is my drug of choice. I'll bring the music. Some of my choices might surprise you because the references are subtle. It's no fun to go for the obvious choice. You won't find any Afroman on my playlist. I need lyrics that make me think when I'm running!

Here are some of the songs that I've run to while I'm in search of that runner's high.

49 comments
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ha ha...well, I do have one of these songs on my playlist (Semi-Charmed Life), but I do recognize most of them. I typically choose my music for the "sound" and don't pay much attention to the actual lyrics...I'm usually in my own thoughts.

I love this post Wendy! I like that song by “The Weekend!” I have a mixture of music on my playing from Ed Sheeran, 80’s, Britney, and my Praise and Worship songs. I love Journey and Foreigner too. There’s nothing like a good song like “Juke Box Hero” to finish a run strong!

There was a song on the radio yesterday (yes I still listen to the radio) and I thought, oh my these lyrics are just awful! I do enjoy listening to music while running and you are right, it is part of the entire experience. I didn't realize some of the lyrics you posted where about something "more".

Wait. So The Weekend can't feel his face cuz he's high?? Here I thought he was out running in the cold. Honestly I don't really listen to the lyrics. Music is a backdrop for my thoughts.If anything I'm making up my own lyrics as I go.

While I don't listen to music on my run, I definitely enjoy hearing it while I'm out running a half or a full marathon. There's just something about it that makes me happy! I have visions, sometimes, of me manning a "disco" cheering station at a race. Just because. Think of the costume potential! lol

I know some of these songs, didn't know some of the others. And to be truthful, I never once considered any of those songs to be about drugs or being high. Clearly, I need to pay more attention. haha

Oh yeah, I grew up in the 70s, too. Still the best music around. I love my old school Christian Rock. Here in Hawaii I can get a double runner's high at the park with the amount of "medical" marijuana being smoked ;)

I have almost everything on my playlist but some songs I'm embarrassed to admit I love so much because while they might be trendy artists on the radio no one respects you if you admit you love them... *cough* Pit Bull *cough* But I pick songs with fairly high energy as well as super mellow songs that still are pretty complex and inspirational. I love seeing other people's lists though - I was just thinking that I needed to add some songs.

I don't listen to music when I run outside but I have been listening to it on the treadmill. I forgot how much a good song can add some motivation! But there is something about running just with my own thoughts that helps me to relax.

This is fantastic! Yes, so many of the greatest songs are about getting high because it's an escape and running happens to be our drug of choice. I always say I don't need medical marijuana for my anxiety because I have endorphins!

I don’t know the research on RA and pot but I know it has made a difference for people suffering from other diseases and is worth looking into. The non-stony type, CBD has many benefits too and doesn’t get you high.

I know so many people who have turned to running after stopping drinking. I guess the addictive personality makes for dedicated runners.

This post is hilarious! It's not something I've ever thought about but now that you mention it, I agree... for me, music definitely affects my runs, I always push the pace when Alanis comes on (my playlist is almost entirely 1990s...)

I don't listen to music when I run because we have bears and I want to hear them in the woods. Ha. Also I grew up not doing it because there were not any good options. Remember Walkmans? Yep I'm old. But I do listen to music when I'm lifting weights.

I rarely listen to music when I run. However, lately I've been doing longer runs (90-100 minutes) that require music. I like music that has a good beat and makes me want to move and dance. I also have a playlist for "slower" music for when I do "easy" runs.

I have a mix of everything on my playlist and what I gravitate toward depends on the day and my mood during the run. Sometimes I listen to my Jesus music, sometimes I listen to songs about getting high, haha. I'm recently downloaded some of The Weeknd and I love Bruno Mars!

This is my kind of music! I think that "running" is often used metaphorically in music for headed in a particular direction quickly, potentially escaping something or going excitedly to a better place. I love Panic! At The Disco for running as well as Anberlin, Shinedown, Fall Out Boy, and Foo Fighters.

HI! I'm Wendy! I've been a runner most of my adult life. My motivation for running has changed over the years but my love for all the miles has endured. I have rheumatoid arthritis and while I've had to make adjustments in the way I train, my drive to keep on running is stronger than ever! Running's been good to me. I've been fortunate to realize my life dream of running the Big Sur Marathon as well as running Chicago 3 times. What's next? I pulled the trigger and got a spot in the Ice Age Trail 50k, rescheduled to September. Life's an adventure, isn't it? I also enjoy yoga, CrossFit, cycling, strength training, kayaking, SUP, and waterskiing. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Come join me for a run some time!

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